LAS VEGAS — Daniel Jones is running again.
The Giants quarterback told the Daily News Friday on Super Bowl Radio Row that he has started running on an anti-gravity treadmill at the team’s facility as he rehabilitates his surgically repaired right ACL.
“My rehab is going well,” Jones, 26, said as he strolled. “I’m making progress. I’m three months into it, and I’ve started running on the anti-gravity treadmill. It’s going well.”
Jones said he has been working with head athletic trainer Ronnie Barnes, director of rehabilitation Leigh Weiss and assistant athletic trainer Phil Buzzerio.
“It’s coming along well,” he said.
Jones has said before that he intends to be ready for training camp. GM Joe Schoen said at the Senior Bowl that “the expectation is for him to be the starter when he’s healthy going into camp.”
Jones faces pressure to perform in the second season of his four-year contract, though. The Giants can financially escape the deal after the 2024 season if they wish.
Schoen holds the No. 6 overall pick and two second-round picks in April’s NFL Draft and admitted the quarterback position is under consideration. He could sign a veteran behind Jones or draft a rookie to develop behind him as his successor or eventual replacement.
The GM also needs to improve the offensive line to give his quarterback the best chance to succeed while carrying a $47 million salary cap hit this coming season.
Jones has sustained two significant neck injuries during his career on top of the torn ACL, too. And he did not appear to be throwing the ball comfortably against the Raiders prior to hurting his knee. So there are lots of questions.
But it’s positive that his rehab has progressed to running, which puts him on track to be on the field to make a strong case.